Best of the West 2018: Photographer

Leigh Roth captures the perfect shots.

No matter what you think about your kids’ shenanigans during the family photo shoot, some really good material comes out of wild-thing moments. “Relax, and just let this happen,” urges Leigh Roth, family photographer. “I get such great shots when the kids are acting wild.”

If you come prepared, relax a bit and wear clothing that’s comfortable for the family (the only rule: no neon), you’ll get memorable portraits. 26911 Detroit Road, Westlake, 440-360-7664, leighroth.com

Roth offers a few pointers:

Go Bold. There isn’t a perfect color to wear — but bold is best. “We customize our sets based on what families wear, so it’s more important that a family is wearing something that represents their unique style,” Roth says. Start by dressing the women and girls. “Have the women pick out something flattering to them, and guys supplement that because women generally tend to wear more patterns,” she says. Comfort matters. Don’t force the shirt and tie. “Sometimes, just having your children in play clothes that match can give you a picture that looks nice on the wall.”

Imagine Your Walls. “What will bring you joy?” Roth prompts. If the answer is dressing everyone up in their best, then do that. If it’s looking at your children’s laughing faces, then stand back while they crack a smile at the photographer’s jokes. Also consider where you’ll hang the finished photos. “You might want a different look for a formal dining room vs. a play room,” Roth points out.

Places, Everyone. Roth aims to position faces close together. “We really like poses that have everyone touching in some way,” she says, encouraging people to visit Leigh Roth's studio Pinterest page before the shoot.

Don’t Procrastinate. Plan the outfits several days in advance so all there is to do on the day of the shoot is show up. And, get the kids ready first. “Make sure the kids are fed,” Roth says. “Schedule it for a time that works best for the kids’ moods.” Arrive early for the shoot. “Keep in mind, if you’re relaxed, the kids will feed off of your energy,” she says.